Carole Knowles | 4:31 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Well, it's hard to say good-bye and let go...but it's time! Buttars' actions and reactions show that he is more committed to himself than to the people he serves. Who on earth elected this dude anyways? He did not change his views overnight. He sounds like he's been a long-time racist. It just rolls off his tongue. He can't help himself. That's who he is.
Henry Drummond | 8:12 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Wow. I was somewhat surprised by that poll. I have always suspected that the majority of Utahns were against Chris Buttars' extremism but were afraid to say so. I guess more people are deciding that they've had enough.

Hopefully in the next election the citizens of Senator Buttars district will elect someone who will represent the interest of the citizens rather than the extremist causes of the Eagle Forum.

Kevin | 8:33 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Of course it would be opposite of what gail hears she only hears from people that believe like she does or should I say Listens to people that say what she thinks
Comments continue below
Gayle Ruzicka | 8:40 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
"That's opposite of what I've heard."

But Gayle! Everything you hear is opposite of reality! Why don't you go home and tend to your own family, and quit worrying about everyone else's.
l | 8:56 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
This is the exact reason Buttars either shouldn't run or that he will be defeated if he does run again this fall. His effectiveness as a legislator is gone. Anything he does or says now will be subject to even more intense scrutiny and others will want to avoid being seen as agreeing with him, whether or not he was wrong to begin with. It is true that bills should be debated on their own merits, but politics is just as much about appearance and PR as it is about the actual issues, so from now on as long as Buttars is still serving in the legislature he will be cast out by his colleages, which means his constituents are not being properly represented, so he should do the right thing for their sake and step aside.
Be Careful | 8:59 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
This is a controversial bill, so please leaders, approach it without the emotion that Buttars has created. I would be poor leadership to pass a bill for or against purely on emotion.

I would also encourage some mercy for Buttars, not because what he said was acceptable, he needs counseling, but because his life or career should not be destroyed because of poorly chosen words. I think the poetry slam was a clear indication how his words are disgraceful, but they were only words. We shouldn't fight hate with hate.
Jedediah Thunder | 9:29 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
A domestic partner registry can only add to and increase the domestic tranquility and stability of Salt Lake City. Isn't that what everyone wants?
It's the message AND the sponsor | 9:56 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
While it's true that any legislation coming from Chris Buttars should be ignored, this bill is wrong no matter who it comes from. In an effort to sustain discrimination against a few people who are gay, it strips the rights away from all sorts of other people.
Anonymous | 10:04 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Most of the legislations are no better than Buttars. Weren't most of them in favor of Buttars' bill before he made his stupid comments?

There is no merit whatsoever to getting rid of the registry bill.


JJ | 10:25 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
"But Gayle! Everything you hear is opposite of reality! Why don't you go home and tend to your own family, and quit worrying about everyone else's."

You overestimate her parenting skills. She's had her fair share of domestic messiness, no doubt due to the fact that she spends more time trying to run the lives of other people than tending to her own affairs.

That said, I wonder why the media even bother to quote her anymore. She becomes more and more irrelevant with each passing day. Legislators (other than Buttars) are learning that you can say "NO" to her and survive politically. Huntsman ignores her and has no problem staying afloat.
Adding | 10:26 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Buttars does not need counseling for what he said, but he may need now after all the slamming he is taking. Why can't people accept his apology and move on. Then reason he is not finding support one his latest bill, is because it is a stupid one. It has nothing to do with the fact that he used the word black. Oh, by the way. Is it now a African-American hole out in space?
Numa Numa | 10:40 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Speaker Curtis has demonstrated leadership that the President of the Senate lacks. Well done Curtis!
Moving Moderate | 11:09 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Just like our country in general, the residents of this state are more moderate than the long held reputation as an extreme right leaning state would suggest. I believe the LDS Church leadership (in SLC) also leans much more moderate than some of the rank and file Eagle Forum/Chris Butters type. It is time that the majority moderate/reasonable voice speak out and take a lead against the minority extremes that are being rejected in this country and now hopefully in our state!
Wilkey | 11:33 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
10 years ago I might've actually cared if someone were called a "racist" or a "bigot." Heck, I might've cared one year ago.

But by now I am just plain fedup with "multiculturalism" and at the way race and accusations of "racism" have polluted every political debate we have. There are too many issues that we're not allowed to discuss anymore because taking one side is supposedly "racist." Illegal immigration, legal immigration, welfare reform, education reform, hiring policies, lending policies (and the subsequent mortgage crash boondoggle caused by it). The list goes on and on and on.

We're supposed to "celebrate diversity," but besides greater selection of cuisine there seems to be scarce little to celebrate. It appears the diverse peoples of this nation will spend the rest of eternity at each other's throats and ears, shouting cries of "racism."

So just tap your shoes and shout "there's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home."
wow | 12:02 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Is the rest of the country smoking illegal substances or have I completely lost it? I have been following this story from out of state for the past week and I can't believe what a crock of garbage this whole mess has become. Shame on the media. Buttars is a right wing politician, that is his only crime. The first day this was reported a link was available for the text of the debate on the senate floor. Buttars comments were completely taken out of context. If this newspaper and its readers were intellectually honest they would see that he is being railroaded like right leaning politicians all over the country. Take the word "black" out of the dictionary if you don't like the way it was used descriptively. What a shame. Political correctness is destroying the country. Want evidence? One can't even speak out against illegal immigration without being labeled a racist. You know you are doing the right thing if they completely ignore you or come down on you like a ton of bricks. Newspapers feed on controversey. What a joke. Wake up America.
Time for a new perspective | 12:05 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
This registry helps a lot of people other than gays. For example I heard that a son - mother combination is helped by it allowing them to get insurance.

Even if it did help only gays, so what? I would be very disapointed if any of my kids turned out to be gay, but at the same time I would recognize that it is not their fault, any more than it is my fault that I am straight.

I believe it is wrong to focus on gays in such a way that you spend time thinking of ways to make their life miserable.

I disagree with religions that imply that people are not born this way. I have read several accounts of gay people who say they had these feelings as long as they can remember. One of these accounts was several months ago in the Deseret News, a gay person who although he was gay chose to get married because he believed this is what God wanted of him due to his LDS teachings.

He said it was repugnant to him, the thought of having relations with a woman.

Love is the greatest commandment, remember this.
CJem | 12:09 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I disagree with the attorney general's comment that the legislature should back off and let the courts act. The legislature is the place where laws should be made, where elected representatives of the people debate the merits in the open for all the world to see, where the people can contact their representatives to provide their input. The legislature has a responsibility to act within the constitution just like the executive and judicial branches do. Choosing to vote down a bill is as important a legislative decision as to approve a bill.
re:Wilkey | 12:17 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
So, cultural dirversity to you means more coices on the menu at the restaurant.

People like you, and "David" and "Adding" just show how far we still need to go in Utah to have a civil culture.

I was one who was believing that the need for organizations such as the "NAACP" were disappearing and people were beginning to understand each other, but, you continue to prove that we have a long way to go.
to Wilkey 11:33 | 12:18 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I am a minority and I am into education reform. Specifically I am very active in improving math education in Utah. The fact that minorities don't score as well means we need to spend extra money and effort to help them catch up, not dumb the curriculum down. So I agree with you there.

So far as immigration reform goes please convince me this isn't race based. If it is the law you care about, why no mention that for years Utah's have been flouting the speed limit?

You may be more comfortable excluding these people from coming here, but these people may be more comfortable if people like you weren't here either, and given history, you scarcely have more rights here than they do.

Also, If it is only the law and not that people like you supposedly care so much about, why don't I hear anything from you about lets start adhering to the Indian treaties where we by breaking them we took so much of their land wrongfully.

No mister, given history, you have no rights to get what you want in this case. You only care about law when you believe it is in your favor.
Time to Clean House | 12:25 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Buttars first and then the rest
They are not doing the peoples business
They have a new parking Garage
CougarKeith | 12:27 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
At First I was "Dupped" by the Liberals on this one, I have to admit. Was what he said WRONG? YES! Was it Racist? Not in a million years! He said "This Baby is Black, it's a dark and ugly THING", He didn't say "This is a BLACK BABY" which would have been much more construed as a Racist remark. The Word "Baby" in what he said was the "Thing" not referring to it as a literal Black baby but a Thing that is Dark and ugly. Personally, Black babies are cute and adorable! Get over it Liberals, back off, and the next time Sharpton or Jackson says something racist call for their resignation! I am tired of this! We would all be better off if gangs, and the NAACP and other groups like them who exploited people and things would just do us the favor and disappear! Your use is past and gone!
Anonymous | 12:53 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Looks like everyone is making a mountain out of a molehill. This is total exaggeration of a minor problem. I would like to post all the times in my life that I have had racial slurs come at me and I am white. What's the difference? I find this whole story and situation quite stupid! I as well find the T-Shirt the girl is wearing all racist!
RE:Cogar Keith | 1:08 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
"Was what he said WRONG? YES!"

Nuff said.

It has made him an impotent legislator.

Anonymous | 1:40 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Anonymous | 12:53 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008

"I as well find the T-Shirt the girl is wearing all racist!"

Please explain, how is the t-shirt racist?
Good | 2:04 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Maybe a few of the people in government who call themselves 'conservative' are actually thinking of real conservative principles, and recognizing that the government should have as little impact as possible on how one chooses to live. In other words, that the local registry is none of the state's bsiness.

Nah, I'm being crazy. They're just scared of being linked to Buttars, the man who puts the 'tar' in Utard.
Anonymous | 3:07 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Again the liberal facist come out.

To stop and destroy any conservative voice or voice they disagree with.

There is NO tolerance with them. It's the liberal way or the highway.

The fact is people are free to hate and voice that hate. Except some groups want especial protection while believing others are fair game.

It looks like it time the whites need to start defending each other rather than bending over and grabbing their ankles for the blacks or any other special interest group.

The motto for this country is: e pluribus unum.
The many are one. NOT the many stay the many.

The black want to be different have there own culture and language.
The mexicans want to there own culture and language.
The gays want there own thing.
And on and on.

But this separation is only tearing apart the country.

Diversity does not work.

The many must be one or the many will fail.
kick him out of office | 3:20 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
why doesn't our state have the cojones to throw the racist bigot out who does nothing but embarass Utah... Isn't there something similar to impeachment for senators? what a joke
re Buttars help | 3:17 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
its not fighting hate with hate... its not putting up with that which is unacceptible...
Correction for anonymous | 3:27 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
E Pluribus unum translates as "out of many, one". It is a process, not a condition.
Anonymous | 3:07 p.m. Feb. 23, 2 | 5:02 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
"Again the liberal facist come out."

Second time this week the term "liberal facist" has poppped up in a blog.

So Jonah Goldberg is trying to coin a phrase, it does not make it real.

There is no totalitarian liberal government in Utah.
If anything the state is run by conservatists. To be a facist you need to have the power.

I am a conservative republican and I think Buttars is way off on just about anything, but I can't say that without 3:07 poster calling names that poster 3:07 uses incorrectly.

"It looks like it time the whites need to start defending each other".

Don't defend us with bigotry and racism please.

e pluribus unum does not mean "The many are one". It means "Out of many, one". Everything in your post suggests segregation and intolerance.

Diversity does work. Intolerance does not.

Hitler, Stalin, Chavez in Venezuala, all facists that were intolerant.

Oh, and 3:07 poster too.
Blackberry | 4:58 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
It is the function of the legislative branch to enact laws. If circumstances warrant clarification of intent, it is certainly appropriate to enact legislation that clarifies the constitution. If it is left up to the courts, they have demonstrated a disturbing willingness to legislate from the bench and you abdicate responsibility for legislation to the courts to create law. That is a frequent tactic of those who cannot get their way through representative government.

Waiting for someone to sue Salt Lake City over this registry is a cowardly and risky approach to government. It is, however, similar to claiming that waiting for the Federal bureaucracy to uphold the law with regard to immigration is appropriate, despite 20 years of history that shows that they either will not, or feel so threatened at this point that they cannot do so.
wrq | 5:01 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
"We're supposed to "celebrate diversity," but besides greater selection of cuisine there seems to be scarce little to celebrate. It appears the diverse peoples of this nation will spend the rest of eternity at each other's throats and ears, shouting cries of "racism.""

Right on, Wilkey. As someone brilliantly posted on another tread, "there will always be wars and rumors of wars" basically because of differences, race, religion, you name it. The "melting pot" and "salad bowl" concepts are both crocks. The way we are headed this nation will eventually look like the Balkans.
About Time | 5:42 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Finally!

The Republican dominated Utah legislature is finally showing some guts by not stomaching Butter's sponsored neo-Facist Eagle Forum's homophobic crap that will only cause consternation for the State of Utah and cause untold millions of dollars in legal costs having to defend something that will surely be overturned in Federal court.

butter's and the Eagle Forum are so out of touch with the real reality out there and so wrapped up in their own self serving egocentric view of reality and what is or is not moral according to their own fantasy and phantasmic oriented approach to life... totally out of touch with reality!

The world is not stuck in the primitive and superstitious state of biblical times (something Islam has somehow not even began to realize) and as such those who believe in the teachings from those periods need to quit being literalists concerning same, but take them for the metaphoric truths they represent. As metaphors, they become teachings that allow for democracy, free expression, self-realization and the capacity to not loose one's sense of humanity to the low road of self-importance and self-righteousness.

Republicans in the legislature, please continue being rational, clarified and sensitive to legalities.
kbm | 7:09 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Why do the papers in town always feel the need to tell us how Gayle feels or what she has to say on a matter. Who the heck cares?!?!
February | 1:58 a.m. Feb. 24, 2008
I'm with you Wow. This is a tempest in a tea pot created by the media and the ever "tolerant" left wing element in our midst. Anyone vaguely to the right is ripped apart by these howling and hysterical left wingers. I hope Buttars constituents reelect him because this whole thing is a farce. Using the word "black" and "baby" in the same sentence does not constitute racism. In fact, I just heard a TV commentator use those terms....and guess what??? She was BLACK!!! As for the registry, I don't care one way or the other so long as my tax dollars aren't expected to pay for it.
Ignorance is bliss... | 9:40 a.m. Feb. 24, 2008
First of all... what Left wing element is everyone talking about? I'm sure you are all hearing about the Left wing agenda from... hmmmm... the Right wing talk radio and mainstream networks you have access to. If there was a Left wing agenda out there, you wouldn't constantly hear about it in the Right wing arena. What stations are you listening to? Hmmm... Sean Hannity? Bill O'reilly? Dr. Laura? Doug Wright?? I hope you all realize that they are opinion based talk shows... not news shows. Just keep nodding your heads and agree with the Right wing media that's shoved down everyones throat about how the Left wing media is taking everyones rights. Ignorance is bliss....
BTW... Buttars is a bigot and this is not the first racial comment he has made. I would not want him representing me in any way, shape or form. I hope that he is not a clear representative of West Jordan citizens... but then again, I have too much faith in people.
Carol Lee | 4:38 p.m. Feb. 25, 2008
Butters has served as a mouth piece for the Eagle Forum and has been unrepresentative of the core of his constituents. His statements and the legislation he proposes, such as SB267 designed to nulify Salt Lake City's newly passed Employee Registry, makes the citizens of Utah appear backward and mean spirited and is an affront to all fair-minded and decent people. His utterances are picked up by the news media and heard far and wide. Is this how we want our citizenry to be thought of?

His sullied reputation will make him ineffective and a blight on that of
the Utah Legislature. He should be encouraged to let this term be his last.

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Deanna Blackwell of Salt Lake City wears her view at the poetry slam against Sen. Chris Buttars at the Utah state Capitol on Friday.

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